Library & Multimedia

Publications: Crime Victimization240 Publication(s) found.

2015 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide
(January 2015)
OVC, 182 pages, NCJ 247813.
The 2015 NCVRW Resource Guide, released ahead of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 19 to 25, highlights this year’s theme, Engaging Communities. Empowering Victims. The Guide includes a wide array of user-friendly outreach tools and sample products, a Theme DVD, current statistics on victimization, information on the history of victims’ rights in the United States, and concrete, practical ideas for engaging your community and empowering victims. Hardcopy versions of this year's Guide, which can be ordered through the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) at www.ncjrs.gov, include Introductory Materials and NCVRW Resource Guide Artwork.
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Circle of Healing for Native Children Endangered by Drugs
(December 2014)
OVC, 0 pages, NCJ 248443.
This seven-video series and companion resource guide feature Native programs and practices that incorporate cultural stories and traditions to help children, families, and communities in Indian Country to heal from substance abuse-related trauma.
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Eight Benefits of NIBRS to Victim Service Providers
(November 2014)
OVC, Bulletin, 0 pages, NCJ 248480.
This e-bulletin describes how victim service providers can use National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS)–a system for recording crimes known to the police–to gain a better understanding of specific types of victimization, determine disparities between victims known to law enforcement and those receiving victim services, and identify underserved groups of crime victims. Data presented from the 15 states which currently report to NIBRS can assist victim service providers to identify patterns of crime and victimization that can justify the need for additional resources and guide decisions on optimal resource development.
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Report to the U.S. Attorney General on Improving Federal Agency Response to Sexual Violence in Tribal Nations: Issues and Recommendations
(June 2014)
OVC, Report, 37 pages, NCJ 248527.
This report from the National Coordination Committee on the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Sexual Assault Response Team (SANE-SART) Initiative examines federal response to adult and child victims of sexual violence in tribal nations and reports recommendations for improvement.
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Responding to Transgender Victims of Sexual Assault
(June 2014)
OVC, Electronic Document, 0 pages, NCJ 243903.
Transgender victims of sexual assault, like all crime victims, want and deserve to be respected, heard, believed, served, and supported. This user-friendly guide offers practical tools to promote understanding and support of transgender victims, whether you are a health care provider, law enforcement officer, emergency medical personnel, advocate, therapist, or support group facilitator. Learn how you can be a source of support and care for individuals in this high-risk population.
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Federal Strategic Action Plan on Services for Victims of Human Trafficking in the United States 2013-2017
(January 2014)
OVC, 84 pages, NCJ 244569.
This report was developed by the Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security, in partnership with the member agencies of the President's Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons and other federal agencies. The plan discusses goals and objectives and the actions that federal agencies will take to ensure that all victims of human trafficking in the U.S. are identified and have access to the services they need to recover.
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Identity (ID) Theft Toolkit
(2014)
OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 2 pages, NCJ 248389.
National Identity Theft Victims Assistance Network (NITVAN) coalitions across the country each contributed to the creation of this toolkit for victim advocates, attorneys, law enforcement officers, and anyone else involved in assisting victims. In this toolkit, you’ll find guidance on improving and expanding service to identity theft victims, starting a collaborative group in your area, as well as downloadable, ready-to-customize training materials, brochures, and more.
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OVC Builds Capacity To Serve Crime Victims in Indian Country
(July 2013)
OVC, Fact Sheet, OVC Fact Sheets, FS 000393.
This fact sheet describes OVC's efforts to support American Indian/Alaska Native victims of crime by forging innovative partnerships to develop and expand exemplary tribal programs and services; and maintaining established programs that focus on culturally specific training, technical assistance, and case management, among other services.
HTMLPart Of the OVC Fact Sheets Series

Break the Silence: Sexual Assault and the SART Solution
(June 2013)
OVC-Sponsored, 0 pages, NCJ 243297.
This online video is designed to help in the creation a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and can be used to educate other potential members, management, and the community on how SARTs can provide improved response to victims of sexual assault and increased offender conviction rates. Recognizing the severity, complexity and impact of sexual assault in Indian Country and rural areas, the video can be used by Native American and rural SARTs to make their respective communities aware of an existing SART program and its value.
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OVC Report to the Nation 2013, Fiscal Years 2011-2012: Transforming Today's Vision into Tomorrow's Reality
(June 2013)
OVC, Report, 0 pages, NCJ 242598.
OVC's Report to the Nation summarizes the progress made in upholding crime victims' rights and providing high-quality services to victims, survivors, and communities during fiscal years 2011−2012. The online report highlights innovative programs and victim-centered initiatives, summarizes financial support to states and U.S. territories, and provides insight into OVC's strategic efforts to address both emerging and enduring challenges in order to expand and enhance victim assistance throughout the Nation.
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Vision 21: Transforming Victim Services Final Report
(May 2013)
OVC, Report, 63 pages, NCJ 239957.
The Vision 21: Transforming Victim Services initiative was launched by OVC in fall 2010 to expand the vision and impact of the crime victim assistance field. This Final Report provides a set of findings and broad recommendations, informed by stakeholder forums and literature reviews, that form a framework for strategic, transformative change. The Final Report outlines ways the field can overcome the obstacles it faces and change how it meets victims' needs and addresses those who perpetrate crime.
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| PDF (Full Report) | PDF (Summary & Recommendations) | PDF (At a Glance Fact Sheet)

Promoting Effective Criminal Investigations of Campus Sex Crimes, Summary Report
(November 2012)
OVC, 53 pages, NCJ 240177.
OVC, the Office on Violence Against Women, and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services partnered with the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators and the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights to conduct a forum that addressed the topic of enhancing criminal investigations of campus sex crimes. This report summarizes the discussion at the forum and provides a list of resources for those working to investigate sex crimes.
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Using Federal Law To Prosecute Domestic Violence Crimes in Indian Country (DVD and Facilitator’s Guide)
(October 2012)
OVC, OVC Videos, 40 pages, NCJ 238639.
This DVD and companion facilitator's guide provide guidance on how to successfully prosecute in federal court domestic violence offenders who commit crimes in Indian Country. The video incorporates case studies of actual prosecutions, while the guide provides an overview of relevant legal principles and key points for discussion. The materials also discuss circumstances common in tribal domestic violence prosecutions, such as offender recidivism, recanting victims, safety planning, and federal and tribal criminal justice and social service professionals working collaboratively to ensure victims' safety and community justice.
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| PDF (Facilitator's Guide) | HTML | Video (WMV Video Clip) | Video (QuickTime Video Clip)
Part Of the OVC Videos Series

OVC HELP Series for Crime Victims
(June 2012)
OVC
This series of nine brochures features information and resources for victims of crime and victim service professionals on the topics of assault, child abuse, domestic violence, homicide, impaired driving, robbery, sexual violence, and stalking. Each brochure defines a type of victimization; discusses what to do if you are a victim of this crime and where to go for help; and provides resources for more information and assistance.
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OVC Report to the Nation 2011, Fiscal Years 2009-2010: Rising to the Challenge-A New Era in Victim Services
(March 2012)
OVC, 105 pages, NCJ 238061.
This biennial report summarizes the programs, activities, and accomplishments of the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) in fiscal years 2009 and 2010, and their impact on victims, survivors, and communities. It describes the Crime Victims Fund-a significant resource for supporting services to victims; identifies enduring and emerging challenges in victim services; and discusses public awareness, education, and outreach endeavors. Each section summarizes victims' needs in that area and relates how funding from OVC makes a crucial difference in the lives of crime victims. This interactive document features four multimedia components.
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Victims with Disabilities: The Forensic Interview-Techniques for Interviewing Victims with Communication and/or Cognitive Disabilities (DVD and Guidebook)
(January 2012)
OVC, OVC Videos, 72 pages, NCJ 234678.
This training DVD, developed under the guidance of a national advisory board, demonstrates effective techniques for first responders who have been called to the scene of a crime in which the victim has a disability. It not only provides guidelines for interacting with adult and adolescent victims of crime who have communication and/or intellectual disabilities, but also helps law enforcement personnel gain a deeper understanding of the lives, personal attributes, and abilities of individuals with disabilities. A trainer's guide accompanies this video.
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| PDF (Guidebook) | HTML (Clip Transcript) | Video (WMV Video Clip) | Video (QuickTime Video Clip)
Part Of the OVC Videos Series

Voice of the Victim: A Perspectives Spotlight Issue
(2012)
OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 100 pages, NCJ 238382.
Through OVC support, this special edition of the American Probation and Parole Association's Perspectives provides a collection of informative, thought-provoking articles to support community corrections professionals in incorporating victims' rights and services into daily practice. This resource teaches readers that victims' rights to information, notification, restitution, and participation are an integral component of community corrections.
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Serving Survivors of Homicide Victims During Cold Case Investigations: A Guide for Developing a Law Enforcement Protocol
(August 2011)
OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 55 pages, NCJ 236082.
Through funding from OVC, the National Sheriffs' Association, Justice Solutions, and the National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc., developed this publication which identifies and discusses how law enforcement agencies can develop protocols for best serving survivors of homicide during cold case investigations.
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Statement of Rights for Identity Theft Victims
(July 2011)
OVC, 2 pages, NCJ 235355.
Several federal laws protect victims of identity theft. Under the Justice for All Act, additional rights are applicable when the identity thief is being prosecuted in federal court. This brochure provides detailed information about working with credit reporting companies and communicating with debt collectors, and also provides information regarding limits on financial liability.
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Existe Ayuda: Help Exists Toolkit
(May 2011)
OVC, Electronic Document, 0 pages, NCJ 234271.
This toolkit includes replicable Spanish-language tools and resources to help improve the cultural competence of service providers and the accessibility of services for Spanish-speaking victims of sexual violence. Resources include the following: glossaries-Spanish terms related to sexual assault and trafficking; presentations-PowerPoint slides used in presentations to promotoras (community health workers) and victim advocates; and tools-a pocket card, handout, factsheets, and scripts for public service announcements and outgoing answering machine messages.
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SART Toolkit: Resources for Sexual Assault Response Teams
(March 2011)
OVC, Electronic Document, 0 pages, NCJ 232786.
This toolkit is a compilation of resources for communities wanting to develop SARTs — coordinated teams of people who serve victims of sexual assault — and for communities wanting to improve their SART responses. The toolkit reviews the basics, lays out the steps involved in putting together your SART, describes how to retain focus on victims, highlights SART programs throughout the country, and includes sample resources to use when developing and evaluating your team.
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Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force Strategy and Operations e-Guide
(January 2011)
OVC, Electronic Document, 91 pages, NCJ 232972.
This e-Guide supports the important work of multidisciplinary anti-human trafficking Task Forces around the country and provides direction and promising practices on anti-human trafficking Task Force creation, structure, and enhancement. This e-Guide also includes links to many tools, trainings, and resources for victim service providers, law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors.
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| PDF (2014 edition)

Violence is Preventable: A Best Practices Guide for Launching & Sustaining a Hospital-based Program to Break the Cycle of Violence
(2011)
OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 163 pages, NCJ 238801.
This OVC-funded replication guide, available from National Network of Hospital-based Violence Intervention Programs, supports the development of programs in medical facilities across the country to engage patients in targeted services during their recovery to interrupt the cycle of violence.
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Expanding Services To Reach Victims of Identity Theft and Financial Fraud
(October 2010)
OVC, Electronic Document, 15 pages, NCJ 230590.
Identity theft and financial fraud are increasingly common crimes, but few resources exist to prepare victim service providers to help victims of these crimes. This e-publication showcases the efforts of four OVC grantees to expand the reach of their services to victims of identity theft and fraud. The publication includes a number of practical tools for developing an intake process and case handling protocols; training staff, pro bono attorneys, law enforcement, and other professionals; and staging an effective public awareness outreach campaign. In addition, each of the grantees offer many self-help materials to enable victims to become better self-advocates.
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Responding to Elder Abuse: What Law Enforcement Should Know (DVD)
(August 2010)
OVC, OVC Videos, 0 pages, NCJ 223413.
This 15-minute video (NCJ 223413) is one of a series of three DVDs on elder abuse created for specific audiences. The video describes what law enforcement officers can do when they encounter elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation in residences, nursing homes, or other long-term care facilities. It includes basic information about locating appropriate referral resources for intervention and support for the older abuse victim, following mandatory reporting laws, and working collaboratively with other organizations.
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| HTML (Transcript) | Video (.wmv Video Clip) | Video (.mov Video Clip)
Part Of the OVC Videos Series

Responding to Elder Abuse: What Community Corrections Should Know DVD
(August 2010)
OVC, OVC Videos, 0 pages, NCJ 223414.
This 17-minute video (NCJ 223414) is one of a series of three DVDs on elder abuse created for specific audiences. The video provides community corrections professionals with the information they need to help identify and respond to elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation they may encounter in their work with offenders. It includes basic information about what to consider when placing offenders in residential situations, communicating effectively with older victims, following mandatory reporting laws, and working collaboratively with other organizations.
Abstract
| HTML (Transcript) | Video (.wmv Video Clip) | Video (.mov Video Clip)
Part Of the OVC Videos Series

Responding to Elder Abuse: What Judges and Court Personnel Should Know (DVD)
(August 2010)
OVC, OVC Videos, 0 pages, NCJ 223415.
This 14-minute video (NCJ 223415) is one of a series of three DVDs on elder abuse created for specific audiences. The video highlights critical issues for judges and court personnel to consider when they encounter abused, neglected, and exploited older persons participating in the judicial system. The video illustrates what judges may face in these situations, offers recommendations focused on the special needs of older abuse victims, and highlights examples of successful court-based elder abuse initiatives.
Abstract
| HTML (Transcript) | Video (.mov Video Clip) | Video (.wmv Video Clip)
Part Of the OVC Videos Series

In Their Own Words: Domestic Abuse in Later Life
(August 2010)
OVC, OVC Videos, 137 pages, NCJ 227928.
This two-DVD package and training guide (NCJ 227928) uses the voices of older victims to facilitate a dialog among a range of professionals about the dynamics of abuse, the barriers these victims have to overcome to live free from abuse, and interventions and potential collaborations that may be effective in such cases. In addition to individual segments with victims, family members, victim service providers, and allied professionals, the DVDs include several topical segments and a montage of victim and advocate voices designed for use by policymakers. It also includes an interactive role play between a parish nurse and an adult daughter caring for her father intended to help professionals recognize justifications for elder mistreatment. A trainer's guide, which accompanies these DVDs, provides background on the victims and discussion questions targeted at a variety of professional audiences.
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| PDF (Trainer's Guide) | HTML (Transcript - Disc 1) | HTML (Transcript - Disc 2) | Video (Disc 1 .wmv Video Clip) | Video (Disc 1 .mov Video Clip) | Video (Disc 2 .wmv Video Clip) | Video (Disc 2 .mov Video Clip)
Part Of the OVC Videos Series

First Response to Victims of Crime: A Guidebook for Law Enforcement Officers
(July 2010)
OVC, OVC Training Guidebooks, 98 pages, NCJ 231171.
This educational multimedia package, produced by the National Sheriffs' Association, looks at the impact of crime on victims and describes steps that law enforcement can take, as first responders, to meet victims' needs. Among the types of victimizations covered are sexual assault, drunk driving, homicide, human trafficking, and mass casualties. The special needs of older victims, child victims, immigrants, and victims with disabilities are addressed as well.
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| PDFPart Of the OVC Training Guidebooks Series

Nursing Response to Elder Mistreatment Curriculum
(2010)
OVC-Sponsored, 12 pages, NCJ 234185.
Developed by the International Association of Forensic Nurses and funded by OVC, the goal of this course is to help nurses acquire essential knowledge and skills to appropriately respond to elder mistreatment.
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What You Can Do If You Are A Victim of Crime
(2010)
OVC, BC 000767.
This OVC brochure explains the rights of victims of crime and the compensation and assistance resources available to them. It also lists national organizations that help victims find information or obtain referrals.
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Victim Impact: Listen and Learn Curriculum
(February 2009)
OVC, 286 pages, NCJ 224257.
This OVC-funded curriculum is geared toward helping offenders to become aware of the impact that crime has on victims and then to take responsibility and make amends for their actions. The online-only curriculum consists of 13 units, built around 10 core crime topics: property crime, assault, robbery, hate and bias, gang violence, sexual assault, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, drunk and impaired driving, and homicide, plus chapters on implementing the program, the victim experience and making amends to victims. Victims and survivors speak about their experiences in the accompanying video clips.
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| PDF (Facilitator Manual, Part 1) | PDF (Facilitator Manual, Part 2) | PDF (Participant Workbook) | HTML

Promising Practices in Serving Crime Victims With Disabilities (Bulletin)
(October 2008)
OVC, 15 pages, NCJ 223965.
This bulletin provides a snapshot of the scope and dynamics of an OVC-funded demonstration project undertaken by SafePlace to improve the local response of criminal justice personnel and victim service providers to people with disabilities.
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Promising Practices for Serving Crime Victims With Disabilities (Toolkit)
(October 2008)
OVC, 7 pages, NCJ 223966.
This toolkit is a companion piece to the "Promising Practices in Serving Crime Victims with Disabilities" bulletin and provides more in-depth detail on the strategies and activities of each subgrantee, and includes such useful tools as sample needs assessments, sample forensic protocols, and lessons learned vignettes.
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Victim Impact: Listen and Learn
(September 2008)
OVC, OVC Videos, 0 pages, NCJ 223072.
This 57-minute DVD features the first-person accounts of 14 men and women who share their experiences as crime victims and the ripple effect that victimization can have on family members and the community at large. It is an effective training resource for victim service providers seeking to improve their understanding of the physical, emotional, financial, and psychological effects of crime.
Abstract
| HTML (Clip Transcript) | HTML (Electronic Only Curriculum) | Video (WMV Video Clip)
Part Of the OVC Videos Series

A Victim-Centered Approach to Crimes Against American Indian and Alaska Native Children
(August 2008)
OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 223 pages, NCJ 235247.
This Guide is intended to give the legal drafting committees of tribal governments an overview of comparative federal, tribal, and state statutory provisions for the drafting of new or amended tribal child protection laws.
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Rape and Sexual Assault Among College-age Females, 1995-2013
(December 2014)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 20 pages, NCJ 248471.
Compares the characteristics of rape and sexual assault victimization against females ages 18 to 24 who are enrolled and not enrolled in college. This report examines the relationship between the victim and offender, the involvement of a weapon, location of the victimization, reporting to police, perceived offender characteristics, and victim demographics.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Household Poverty and Nonfatal Violent Victimization, 2008-2012
(November 2014)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 18 pages, NCJ 248384.
Presents findings from 2008 to 2012 on the relationship between households that were above or below the federal poverty level and nonfatal violent victimization, including rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault. This report examines the violent victimization experiences of persons living in households at various levels of poverty, focusing on type of violence, victim's race or Hispanic origin, and location of residence.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Understanding the Organization, Operation, and Victimization Process of Labor Trafficking in the United States
(October 2014)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 306 pages, NCJ 248461.
This report explores patterns of labor trafficking in the U.S., and found that trafficking occurs in multiple industries, including agriculture, hospitality, construction, and restaurants. The report verified that labor trafficking usually goes unreported, and law enforcement often have difficulty distinguishing labor trafficking from other workplace exploitation. Policy and practice implications of this research for federal and local law enforcement and victims' service agencies are outlined.
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Socio-Emotional Impact of Violent Crime
(September 2014)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 30 pages, NCJ 247076.
Examines victims' socio-emotional problems resulting from violent crime, including moderate to severe distress, problems with family or friend relationships, or problems at work or school. The report explores the relationship between the socio-emotional response to crime and the characteristics of the victim and the incident, such as the victim-offender relationship, injury, weapon use, and demographic characteristics. It examines the emotional and physical symptoms associated with socio-emotional problems, and the association between victim help-seeking behaviors and the experience of socio-emotional problems.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Criminal Victimization, 2013
(September 2014)
BJS, Bulletin, BJS Bulletins, 19 pages, NCJ 247648.
Presents 2013 estimates of rates and levels of criminal victimization in the United States. This bulletin includes violent victimization (rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault) and property victimization (burglary, motor vehicle theft, and property theft). It describes the annual change from 2012 and analyzes 10-year trends from 2004 through 2013. The bulletin includes estimates of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and injury and use of weapons in violent victimization. It also describes the characteristics of victims.
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| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Bulletins Series

Nation's Two Crime Measures
(September 2014)
BJS, Report, 3 pages, NCJ 246832.
Summarizes the U.S. Department of Justice's two primary statistical programs that measure the magnitude, nature, and impact of crime in the nation. This report describes the strengths, limitations, differences, and complementary aspects of the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program and the Bureau of Justice Statistics' National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS).
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Violent Victimization in New and Established Hispanic Areas, 2007-2010
(August 2014)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 18 pages, NCJ 246311.
This report examines violent victimization rates by victims' race and ethnicity within four Hispanic areas from 2007 to 2010. Hispanic areas are classified based on their historical Hispanic population and the growth in their Hispanic population between 1980 and 2001. This includes: established slow growth areas, established fast growth areas, new emerging Hispanic areas, and small Hispanic areas.
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| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Nation's Two Measures of Homicide
(July 2014)
BJS, Report, 4 pages, NCJ 247060.
This report summarizes the United States' two national data collection systems related to homicide: the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Supplementary Homicide Reports and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Fatal Injury Reports. This report describes the strengths, limitations, differences, and complementary aspects of each program.
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Improving Human Trafficking Victim Identification-Validation and Dissemination of a Screening Tool
(June 2014)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 455 pages, NCJ 246712.
This guide provides users with recommendations on how to build trust with potential victims, maintain confidentiality, and use the tool correctly. When properly used, the tool could give victim service providers, law enforcement and legal, healthcare, and social service providers with a standard means of identifying victims of human trafficking.
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Screening for Human Trafficking: Guidelines for Administering the Trafficking Victim Identification Tool (TVIT)
(June 2014)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 37 pages, NCJ 246713.
This tool is designed for victim service providers and other providers to assist in identifying victims of human trafficking. Developed over the last seven years by the Vera Institute of Justice in collaboration with 11 victim service organizations in California, Colorado, New York, Texas and Washington, this NIJ-funded tool has been validated with a diverse sample of potential victims of trafficking and found reliable in predicting labor and sex trafficking.
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Seasonal Patterns in Criminal Victimization Trends
(June 2014)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 22 pages, NCJ 245959.
This report examines the seasonal patterns in violent and property crime victimization in the United States from 1993 to 2010. Seasonal patterns are periodic fluctuations in the victimization rates that tend to occur at the same time each year. The report describes seasonal patterns in property crime (burglary, motor vehicle theft, and other household theft) and violent victimization (rape and sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault). It also presents seasonal trends in other forms of violence, including intimate partner violence, victimizations involving a weapon, and violence resulting in injury.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Nonfatal Domestic Violence, 2003-2012
(April 2014)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 21 pages, NCJ 244697.
This report presents estimates on nonfatal domestic violence from 2003 to 2012. Domestic violence includes victimization committed by current or former intimate partners (spouses, boyfriends or girlfriends), parents, children, siblings, and other relatives. This report focuses on the level and pattern of domestic violence over time, highlighting selected victim and incident characteristics. Incident characteristics include the type of violence, the offender's use of a weapon, victim injury and medical treatment, and whether the incident was reported to police. The report provides estimates of acquaintance and stranger violence for comparison.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exams and VAWA 2005: Payment Practices, Successes, and Directions for the Future
(April 2014)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 230 pages, NCJ 247314.
The Violence Against Women Act of 2005 requires that sexual assault victims must not be required to file law enforcement reports in order to receive free exams. This study aimed to examine how states are meeting these goals. We found victim compensation funds are by far the largest funder of exams across the country. In the 19 jurisdictions included in case studies, victims generally received free exams without having to report if they did not want to. However, barriers to even accessing the exam prevent some victims from seeking help.
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Delivery and Evaluation of Sexual Assault Forensic (SAFE) Training Programs
(March 2014)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 240 pages, NCJ 247081.
This study evaluated the effectiveness of the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) SAFE training programs. The study found that the IAFN SAFE training curriculum and blended training model offer a strong foundation that can be built upon to meet the diverse learning needs of clinicians across the country.
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Estimating the Size and Structure of the Underground Commercial Sex Economy in Eight Major US Cities
(March 2014)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 350 pages, NCJ 245295.
NIJ-funded researchers at the Urban Institute have completed a study of the underground commercial sex economy in eight cities--Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, Miami, Seattle, San Diego, and Washington, DC. The study is a first step toward building scientific understanding of the illicit sex market.
Abstract
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Hate Crime Victimization, 2004-2012 - Statistical Tables
(February 2014)
BJS, BJS Technical Reports, 15 pages, NCJ 244409.
This report presents counts and rates of hate crime victimization in 2012, using data from the National Crime Victimization Survey. The tables show change in the number and rate of hate crime victimizations since 2011 and during the 10-year period since 2003. They examine the perceived motivation for the hate crime, demographic characteristics of victims and offenders, and the percentage of hate crime reported to police.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Technical Reports Series

Crime Against Persons with Disabilities, 2009-2012 - Statistical Tables
(February 2014)
BJS, 24 pages, NCJ 244525.
This report presents estimates of nonfatal violent victimization (rape, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated and simple assault) against persons age 12 or older with disabilities from 2009 to 2012. The report compares the victimization of persons with and without disabilities living in noninstitutionalized households, including distributions by age, race, sex, victims' types of disabilities, and other victim characteristics.
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Legal Issues Related to Elder Abuse: A Pocket Guide for Law Enforcement
(2014)
BJA-Sponsored, 58 pages, NCJ 248541.
This guide provides legal concepts, documents, and tools that may be misused to commit elder abuse or used properly to remedy it. Also presented are issues and actions that justice system professionals should consider if they suspect elder abuse has occurred.
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Understanding Trends in Hate Crimes Against Immigrants and Hispanic-Americans
(December 2013)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 157 pages, NCJ 244755.
The intent of this report is to inform policy makers and practitioners about the strength of the empirical foundation of measured hate crime in the U.S. Trends are frequently in question when discussing the need for action to combat hate crime, as are determinations about what groups are at highest risk, and where best to direct efforts to prevent and respond to such offenses. To facilitate such deliberations, the report provides an overview of current time-series data measuring hate crime, and their utility for assessing the presence and significance of trends. It describes the process of gathering the databases and other information discussed in this report, how they were analyzed, and the conclusions reached about the ability of extant data to measure trends in hate crimes against immigrants and those of Hispanic heritage residing in the U.S.
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Victims of Identity Theft, 2012
(December 2013)
BJS, Bulletin, BJS Bulletins, 27 pages, NCJ 243779.
This report presents findings on the prevalence and nature of identity theft from the 2012 Identity Theft Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The report details the number and percentage of persons age 16 or older who reported at least one incident of identity theft over the past year. It describes how the personal information was obtained, financial losses due to identity theft, victim reporting to credit bureaus and police, and the impact of identity theft on victims' lives. The report also presents a lifetime prevalence rate for identity theft and information on the preventative actions taken to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Bulletins Series

Homicide in the U.S. Known to Law Enforcement, 2011
(December 2013)
BJS, Report, 18 pages, NCJ 243035.
This report presents data on homicide trends from 1992 to 2011. The report describes homicide patterns and trends by age, sex, and race of the victim. It explores weapon use, with a focus on trends in firearm use and homicide trends by city size.
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Intimate Partner Violence: Attributes of Victimization, 1993-2011
(November 2013)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 19 pages, NCJ 243300.
This report presents data on trends in nonfatal intimate partner violence among U.S. households from 1993 to 2011. Intimate partner violence includes rape, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault by a current or former spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend. This report focuses on attributes of the victimization such as the type of crime, type of attack, whether the victim was threatened before the attack, use of a weapon by the offender, victim injury, and medical treatment received for injuries. The report also describes ways these attributes of the victimization may be used to measure seriousness or severity of the incident.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

National Survey of Residential Programs for Victims of Sex Trafficking
(October 2013)
BJA-Sponsored, Report, 37 pages, NCJ 244678.
Residential programs around the country were surveyed in order to learn how many residential programs for victims of sex trafficking were in operation. Thirty-three residential programs in the United States were found that offer services to trafficking. This report found a total of 682 beds for trafficking victims in the U.S.
Abstract
| PDF

Measuring the Prevalence of Crime With the National Crime Victimization Survey
(September 2013)
BJS, Report, BJS Technical Reports, 27 pages, NCJ 241656.
This report presents comparisons of victimization rates and prevalence rates of nonfatal violent crime and household property crime from 1993 to 2010. The report uses prevalence rates to describe patterns of repeat victimization for violent and property crime and to identify specific population subgroups at the highest risk for repeat victimization. It compares violent victimization and prevalence rates across victim age and sex and according to victim-offender relationships.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Technical Reports Series

Indicators of Labor Trafficking Among North Carolina Migrant Farmworkers, Final Report
(August 2013)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 147 pages, NCJ 244204.
The study sought to achieve two goals: (1) document the characteristics and indicators of labor trafficking, including component crimes,
collateral crimes, and other community impacts; and (2) provide law enforcement with actionable knowledge to help identify labor trafficking.
Abstract
| PDF

Evaluating Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Programs
(July 2013)
NIJ, Article, NIJ Journal, 4 pages, NCJ 241930.
This article discusses the efforts of Michigan State University researchers to develop a toolkit that SANE programs can use to evaluate how they affect the prosecution of sexual assault cases in their communities and explains how to implement the user-friendly toolkit. It also offers ideas for using the findings to improve practice and enhance a program's positive impact on the reporting, investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases.
Abstract
| PDF | HTMLPart Of the NIJ Journal Series

Thirty Percent of Migrant Laborers in San Diego Experience Trafficking Violations
(July 2013)
NIJ, Bulletin, 4 pages, NCJ 242955.
According to data from a 2012 study, this NIJ In Short discusses how more than 30 percent of Spanish-speaking workers in San Diego County, Calif., have experienced an incident that meets the official definition of human trafficking. Agriculture had the lowest rate of victimization among all businesses. Construction, janitorial/cleaning and landscaping sectors had the highest rates of reported trafficking violations and labor abuses.
Abstract
| PDF

Understanding Elder Abuse: New Directions for Developing Theories of Elder Abuse Occurring in Domestic Settings
(June 2013)
NIJ, Report, NIJ Research in Brief, 40 pages, NCJ 241731.
This report discusses findings from two NIJ studies of elder abuse in domestic settings. Compared to other areas of family violence, elder abuse has lagged in theory development and relied more on adapting existing theories from other fields. The authors describe the findings from the two studies in this context, emphasizing the importance of developing new theories of elder abuse and of looking critically at current theories to increase our understanding and guide future research.
Abstract
| PDFPart Of the NIJ Research in Brief Series

Household Burglary, 1994-2011
(June 2013)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 18 pages, NCJ 241754.
This report presents rates and trends in household burglary from 1993 to 2011. The report explores overall trends in household burglary and examines patterns in completed household burglary by type and value of items stolen, percentage of burglaries reported to the police and insurance companies, and police response.
Abstract
| PDF | HTMLPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Indicators of School Crime and Safety, 2012
(June 2013)
BJS, Report, 211 pages, NCJ 241446.
This annual report provides the most current detailed statistical information on the nature of crime in schools. It presents data on crime and safety at school from the perspectives of students, teachers, and principals.
Abstract
| PDF

Firearm Violence, 1993-2011
(May 2013)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 28 pages, NCJ 241730.
This report presents trends on the number and rate of fatal and nonfatal firearm violence from 1993 to 2011. The report examines incident and victim demographic characteristics of firearm violence, including the type of firearm used; victim's race, age, and sex; and incident location. The report also examines changes over time in the percentages of nonfatal firearm crimes by injury, reporting to the police, and the use of firearms in self-defense.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Workplace Violence Against Government Employees, 1994-2011
(April 2013)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 19 pages, NCJ 241349.
This report presents information on both nonfatal and fatal forms of violence in the workplace against government employees, based on the Bureau of Justice Statistics' National Crime Victimization Survey and the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Female Victims of Sexual Violence, 1994-2010
(March 2013)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 17 pages, NCJ 240655.
This report presents trends in the rate of completed or attempted rape or sexual assault against females from 1995 to 2010. The report examines demographic characteristics of female victims of sexual violence and characteristics of the offender and incident, including victim-offender relationship, whether the offender had a weapon, and the location of the victimization.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Untested Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
(February 2013)
NIJ-Sponsored, 6 pages, NCJ 241356.
In this article from the Sexual Assault Report™, NIJ staff member Nancy Ritter explores: whether every sexual assault kit (SAK) should be tested every kit - even ones that are 25 years old; should priority be given to certain kits, and if so, how do we decide; and how to handle cases in which the alleged perpetrator is already known. The article also explains where the weak spots are in collecting, storing, and testing kits; why the police might not send sexual assault kits to be tested; and what early evidence is showing about complex issues such as victim notification.
Abstract
| PDF

Practical Implications of Current Intimate Partner Violence Research for Victim Advocates and Service Providers
(January 2013)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 260 pages, NCJ 244348.
This report expands and enhances the 2009 report titled "Practical Implications of Current Domestic Violence Research: For Law Enforcement, Prosecutors and Judges" to address the practical implications of current domestic violence research for victim advocates and service providers.
Abstract
| PDF

Directory of Training and Technical Assistance Resources for Anti-Human Trafficking Task Forces and Service Providers
(December 2012)
BJA, OVC, 26 pages, NCJ 240597.
OVC and BJA have launched a Directory of Training and Technical Assistance Resources for Anti-Human Trafficking Task Forces and Service Providers. The directory includes "distance learning," "in-person training" and "training by request" opportunities. It is an excellent resource for practitioners and task forces actively working in the field to expand and enhance their knowledge.
Abstract
| PDF | HTML

Directory of Training and Technical Assistance Resources for Anti-Human Trafficking Task Forces and Service Providers
(December 2012)
BJA, OVC, 26 pages, NCJ 240597.
OVC and BJA have launched a Directory of Training and Technical Assistance Resources for Anti-Human Trafficking Task Forces and Service Providers. The directory includes "distance learning," "in-person training" and "training by request" opportunities. It is an excellent resource for practitioners and task forces actively working in the field to expand and enhance their knowledge.
Abstract
| PDF | HTML

Violent Victimization Committed by Strangers, 1993-2010
(December 2012)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 19 pages, NCJ 239424.
This report presents findings on the rates and levels of violent victimization committed by offenders who were strangers to the victims, including homicide, rape, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Violent Crime Against Youth, 1994-2010
(December 2012)
BJS, Report, 22 pages, NCJ 240106.
This report presents patterns and trends in violent crime against youth ages 12 to 17 from 1994 to 2010. The report explores overall trends in violent crime against youth and examines patterns in serious violent crime and simple assault by the demographic characteristics of the victim, the location and time of the incident, weapon involvement and injury, the victim-offender relationship, and whether police were notified.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXT

Looking for a Hidden Population: Trafficking of Migrant Laborers in San Diego County
(November 2012)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 155 pages, NCJ 240223.
Although labor trafficking has received much attention in recent years, there is limited empirical research into the depth, breadth, and scope of the problem. This grant report seeks to provide statistically sound estimates of the prevalence of trafficking victimization among unauthorized migrant laborers in San Diego and investigate the types of trafficking victimization experienced by these laborers. According to this study, labor trafficking is widespread among unauthorized Spanish-speaking migrant workers in San Diego County, with estimates that over 30% of this population are trafficking victims and 55% are victims of abusive labor practices or gross exploitation.
Abstract
| PDF

Prevalence of Violent Crime Among Households with Children, 1993-2010
(September 2012)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 18 pages, NCJ 238799.
Presents data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) on nonfatal violent crime involving members of a household as victims and reports on the annual prevalence of that violent crime among U.S. households with children from 1993 to 2010.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Stalking Victims in the United States - Revised
(September 2012)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 16 pages, NCJ 224527.
This resource presents findings on nonfatal stalking victimization in the U.S., based on the largest data collection of such behavior to date.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Victimizations Not Reported to the Police, 2006-2010
(August 2012)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 18 pages, NCJ 238536.
This report presents findings, for a five-year period from 2006 to 2010, on the characteristics of crime victimizations that went unreported to police, according to data from the National Crime Victimization Survey. The characteristics examined in this report include the type of crime, whether it involved a weapon or injury, the victim-offender relationship, and demographic characteristics of the victim. For each of the characteristics examined, the report also details victims' rationale for not reporting to the police, including beliefs that the police would not or could not help, that the crime was not important enough to report, or fear of reprisal or getting the offender into trouble. The report also examines trends from 1994 to 2010 in the types of crime not reported to the police and the reasons victimizations went unreported.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Census of Publicly Funded Forensic Crime Laboratories, 2009
(August 2012)
BJS, Report, BJS Bulletins, 14 pages, NCJ 238252.
Presents data on the more than 400 state, municipal, county, and federal crime laboratories operating in the United States during 2009 that perform a variety of services, such as DNA tests, controlled substance analyses, and latent fingerprint examinations. This report examines crime lab personnel, budgets, workloads, and other administrative information, including backlogs in requests for forensic services. View additional reports in the Census of Publicly Funded Forensic Crime Laboratories Series at: http://www.bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=pbse&sid=75
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Bulletins Series

Implementation of a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Practitioner Evaluation Toolkit
(August 2012)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 145 pages, NCJ 240916.
The purpose of this project was to conduct an implementation evaluation of the SANE Practitioner Evaluation Toolkit. The authors selected six SANE programs (two rural, two mid-sized, and two urban) and provided comprehensive technical assistance to help these programs work through the steps in the Toolkit so that they could evaluate whether their programs were having a beneficial impact on prosecution rates.
Abstract
| PDF

Evaluating the Work of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Programs in the Criminal Justice System: A Toolkit for Practitioners
(August 2012)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 227 pages, NCJ 240917.
The focus of this Toolkit is the impact of SANE programs on the progression of sexual assault cases through the criminal justice system, meaning how many cases make it how far through the system. To that end, the Toolkit is designed to provide practitioners with the necessary information for understanding and evaluating SANE programs' impact on prosecution rates in their own community.
Abstract
| PDF

Violent Crime Against the Elderly Reported by Law Enforcement in Michigan, 2005-2009
(June 2012)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 16 pages, NCJ 238546.
Presents statistics about violent victimization of persons age 65 or older reported by law enforcement agencies into the FBI's National Incident Based Reporting System from 2005 to 2009. The report describes characteristics of known violent victimizations perpetrated against the elderly in Michigan over the 5-year period, including location and time of day the violence occurred, involvement of weapons, victim-offender relationships, and the percentage of reported violent victimizations of the elderly that resulted in an arrest. It also compares patterns of elder victimization with patterns of victimization of younger persons. Population-based rates of violent victimization are also presented.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Methods for Counting High-Frequency Repeat Victimizations in the National Crime Victimization Survey
(April 2012)
BJS, Report, 40 pages, NCJ 237308.
As part of ongoing research efforts associated with the redesign of the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) has investigated ways to include high-frequency repeat victimizations, or series victimizations, in estimates of criminal victimization. This report examines the nature and extent of series victimization in the NCVS, assesses the general patterns of victims' responses to being asked "How many times did this type of incident occur?," provides data on how reports of high-frequency repeated victimization have changed over time, and describes how BJS intends to change its counting practices for estimating annual victimization rates in future reports.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXT

2015 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide
(January 2015)
OVC, 182 pages, NCJ 247813.
The 2015 NCVRW Resource Guide, released ahead of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 19 to 25, highlights this year’s theme, Engaging Communities. Empowering Victims. The Guide includes a wide array of user-friendly outreach tools and sample products, a Theme DVD, current statistics on victimization, information on the history of victims’ rights in the United States, and concrete, practical ideas for engaging your community and empowering victims. Hardcopy versions of this year's Guide, which can be ordered through the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) at www.ncjrs.gov, include Introductory Materials and NCVRW Resource Guide Artwork.
Abstract
| PDF | HTML

Circle of Healing for Native Children Endangered by Drugs
(December 2014)
OVC, 0 pages, NCJ 248443.
This seven-video series and companion resource guide feature Native programs and practices that incorporate cultural stories and traditions to help children, families, and communities in Indian Country to heal from substance abuse-related trauma.
Abstract
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Rape and Sexual Assault Among College-age Females, 1995-2013
(December 2014)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 20 pages, NCJ 248471.
Compares the characteristics of rape and sexual assault victimization against females ages 18 to 24 who are enrolled and not enrolled in college. This report examines the relationship between the victim and offender, the involvement of a weapon, location of the victimization, reporting to police, perceived offender characteristics, and victim demographics.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Eight Benefits of NIBRS to Victim Service Providers
(November 2014)
OVC, Bulletin, 0 pages, NCJ 248480.
This e-bulletin describes how victim service providers can use National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS)–a system for recording crimes known to the police–to gain a better understanding of specific types of victimization, determine disparities between victims known to law enforcement and those receiving victim services, and identify underserved groups of crime victims. Data presented from the 15 states which currently report to NIBRS can assist victim service providers to identify patterns of crime and victimization that can justify the need for additional resources and guide decisions on optimal resource development.
Abstract
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Household Poverty and Nonfatal Violent Victimization, 2008-2012
(November 2014)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 18 pages, NCJ 248384.
Presents findings from 2008 to 2012 on the relationship between households that were above or below the federal poverty level and nonfatal violent victimization, including rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault. This report examines the violent victimization experiences of persons living in households at various levels of poverty, focusing on type of violence, victim's race or Hispanic origin, and location of residence.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Understanding the Organization, Operation, and Victimization Process of Labor Trafficking in the United States
(October 2014)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 306 pages, NCJ 248461.
This report explores patterns of labor trafficking in the U.S., and found that trafficking occurs in multiple industries, including agriculture, hospitality, construction, and restaurants. The report verified that labor trafficking usually goes unreported, and law enforcement often have difficulty distinguishing labor trafficking from other workplace exploitation. Policy and practice implications of this research for federal and local law enforcement and victims' service agencies are outlined.
Abstract
| PDF

Nation's Two Crime Measures
(September 2014)
BJS, Report, 3 pages, NCJ 246832.
Summarizes the U.S. Department of Justice's two primary statistical programs that measure the magnitude, nature, and impact of crime in the nation. This report describes the strengths, limitations, differences, and complementary aspects of the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program and the Bureau of Justice Statistics' National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS).
Abstract
| PDF | TEXT

Socio-Emotional Impact of Violent Crime
(September 2014)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 30 pages, NCJ 247076.
Examines victims' socio-emotional problems resulting from violent crime, including moderate to severe distress, problems with family or friend relationships, or problems at work or school. The report explores the relationship between the socio-emotional response to crime and the characteristics of the victim and the incident, such as the victim-offender relationship, injury, weapon use, and demographic characteristics. It examines the emotional and physical symptoms associated with socio-emotional problems, and the association between victim help-seeking behaviors and the experience of socio-emotional problems.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Criminal Victimization, 2013
(September 2014)
BJS, Bulletin, BJS Bulletins, 19 pages, NCJ 247648.
Presents 2013 estimates of rates and levels of criminal victimization in the United States. This bulletin includes violent victimization (rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault) and property victimization (burglary, motor vehicle theft, and property theft). It describes the annual change from 2012 and analyzes 10-year trends from 2004 through 2013. The bulletin includes estimates of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and injury and use of weapons in violent victimization. It also describes the characteristics of victims.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Bulletins Series

Violent Victimization in New and Established Hispanic Areas, 2007-2010
(August 2014)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 18 pages, NCJ 246311.
This report examines violent victimization rates by victims' race and ethnicity within four Hispanic areas from 2007 to 2010. Hispanic areas are classified based on their historical Hispanic population and the growth in their Hispanic population between 1980 and 2001. This includes: established slow growth areas, established fast growth areas, new emerging Hispanic areas, and small Hispanic areas.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Nation's Two Measures of Homicide
(July 2014)
BJS, Report, 4 pages, NCJ 247060.
This report summarizes the United States' two national data collection systems related to homicide: the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Supplementary Homicide Reports and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Fatal Injury Reports. This report describes the strengths, limitations, differences, and complementary aspects of each program.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXT

Improving Human Trafficking Victim Identification-Validation and Dissemination of a Screening Tool
(June 2014)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 455 pages, NCJ 246712.
This guide provides users with recommendations on how to build trust with potential victims, maintain confidentiality, and use the tool correctly. When properly used, the tool could give victim service providers, law enforcement and legal, healthcare, and social service providers with a standard means of identifying victims of human trafficking.
Abstract
| PDF

Screening for Human Trafficking: Guidelines for Administering the Trafficking Victim Identification Tool (TVIT)
(June 2014)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 37 pages, NCJ 246713.
This tool is designed for victim service providers and other providers to assist in identifying victims of human trafficking. Developed over the last seven years by the Vera Institute of Justice in collaboration with 11 victim service organizations in California, Colorado, New York, Texas and Washington, this NIJ-funded tool has been validated with a diverse sample of potential victims of trafficking and found reliable in predicting labor and sex trafficking.
Abstract
| PDF

Seasonal Patterns in Criminal Victimization Trends
(June 2014)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 22 pages, NCJ 245959.
This report examines the seasonal patterns in violent and property crime victimization in the United States from 1993 to 2010. Seasonal patterns are periodic fluctuations in the victimization rates that tend to occur at the same time each year. The report describes seasonal patterns in property crime (burglary, motor vehicle theft, and other household theft) and violent victimization (rape and sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault). It also presents seasonal trends in other forms of violence, including intimate partner violence, victimizations involving a weapon, and violence resulting in injury.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Report to the U.S. Attorney General on Improving Federal Agency Response to Sexual Violence in Tribal Nations: Issues and Recommendations
(June 2014)
OVC, Report, 37 pages, NCJ 248527.
This report from the National Coordination Committee on the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Sexual Assault Response Team (SANE-SART) Initiative examines federal response to adult and child victims of sexual violence in tribal nations and reports recommendations for improvement.
Abstract
| PDF

Responding to Transgender Victims of Sexual Assault
(June 2014)
OVC, Electronic Document, 0 pages, NCJ 243903.
Transgender victims of sexual assault, like all crime victims, want and deserve to be respected, heard, believed, served, and supported. This user-friendly guide offers practical tools to promote understanding and support of transgender victims, whether you are a health care provider, law enforcement officer, emergency medical personnel, advocate, therapist, or support group facilitator. Learn how you can be a source of support and care for individuals in this high-risk population.
Abstract
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Nonfatal Domestic Violence, 2003-2012
(April 2014)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 21 pages, NCJ 244697.
This report presents estimates on nonfatal domestic violence from 2003 to 2012. Domestic violence includes victimization committed by current or former intimate partners (spouses, boyfriends or girlfriends), parents, children, siblings, and other relatives. This report focuses on the level and pattern of domestic violence over time, highlighting selected victim and incident characteristics. Incident characteristics include the type of violence, the offender's use of a weapon, victim injury and medical treatment, and whether the incident was reported to police. The report provides estimates of acquaintance and stranger violence for comparison.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exams and VAWA 2005: Payment Practices, Successes, and Directions for the Future
(April 2014)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 230 pages, NCJ 247314.
The Violence Against Women Act of 2005 requires that sexual assault victims must not be required to file law enforcement reports in order to receive free exams. This study aimed to examine how states are meeting these goals. We found victim compensation funds are by far the largest funder of exams across the country. In the 19 jurisdictions included in case studies, victims generally received free exams without having to report if they did not want to. However, barriers to even accessing the exam prevent some victims from seeking help.
Abstract
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Delivery and Evaluation of Sexual Assault Forensic (SAFE) Training Programs
(March 2014)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 240 pages, NCJ 247081.
This study evaluated the effectiveness of the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) SAFE training programs. The study found that the IAFN SAFE training curriculum and blended training model offer a strong foundation that can be built upon to meet the diverse learning needs of clinicians across the country.
Abstract
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Estimating the Size and Structure of the Underground Commercial Sex Economy in Eight Major US Cities
(March 2014)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 350 pages, NCJ 245295.
NIJ-funded researchers at the Urban Institute have completed a study of the underground commercial sex economy in eight cities--Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, Miami, Seattle, San Diego, and Washington, DC. The study is a first step toward building scientific understanding of the illicit sex market.
Abstract
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Hate Crime Victimization, 2004-2012 - Statistical Tables
(February 2014)
BJS, BJS Technical Reports, 15 pages, NCJ 244409.
This report presents counts and rates of hate crime victimization in 2012, using data from the National Crime Victimization Survey. The tables show change in the number and rate of hate crime victimizations since 2011 and during the 10-year period since 2003. They examine the perceived motivation for the hate crime, demographic characteristics of victims and offenders, and the percentage of hate crime reported to police.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Technical Reports Series

Crime Against Persons with Disabilities, 2009-2012 - Statistical Tables
(February 2014)
BJS, 24 pages, NCJ 244525.
This report presents estimates of nonfatal violent victimization (rape, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated and simple assault) against persons age 12 or older with disabilities from 2009 to 2012. The report compares the victimization of persons with and without disabilities living in noninstitutionalized households, including distributions by age, race, sex, victims' types of disabilities, and other victim characteristics.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXT

Federal Strategic Action Plan on Services for Victims of Human Trafficking in the United States 2013-2017
(January 2014)
OVC, 84 pages, NCJ 244569.
This report was developed by the Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security, in partnership with the member agencies of the President's Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons and other federal agencies. The plan discusses goals and objectives and the actions that federal agencies will take to ensure that all victims of human trafficking in the U.S. are identified and have access to the services they need to recover.
Abstract
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Legal Issues Related to Elder Abuse: A Pocket Guide for Law Enforcement
(2014)
BJA-Sponsored, 58 pages, NCJ 248541.
This guide provides legal concepts, documents, and tools that may be misused to commit elder abuse or used properly to remedy it. Also presented are issues and actions that justice system professionals should consider if they suspect elder abuse has occurred.
Abstract
| PDF

Identity (ID) Theft Toolkit
(2014)
OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 2 pages, NCJ 248389.
National Identity Theft Victims Assistance Network (NITVAN) coalitions across the country each contributed to the creation of this toolkit for victim advocates, attorneys, law enforcement officers, and anyone else involved in assisting victims. In this toolkit, you’ll find guidance on improving and expanding service to identity theft victims, starting a collaborative group in your area, as well as downloadable, ready-to-customize training materials, brochures, and more.
Abstract
| HTML

Victims of Identity Theft, 2012
(December 2013)
BJS, Bulletin, BJS Bulletins, 27 pages, NCJ 243779.
This report presents findings on the prevalence and nature of identity theft from the 2012 Identity Theft Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The report details the number and percentage of persons age 16 or older who reported at least one incident of identity theft over the past year. It describes how the personal information was obtained, financial losses due to identity theft, victim reporting to credit bureaus and police, and the impact of identity theft on victims' lives. The report also presents a lifetime prevalence rate for identity theft and information on the preventative actions taken to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Bulletins Series

Understanding Trends in Hate Crimes Against Immigrants and Hispanic-Americans
(December 2013)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 157 pages, NCJ 244755.
The intent of this report is to inform policy makers and practitioners about the strength of the empirical foundation of measured hate crime in the U.S. Trends are frequently in question when discussing the need for action to combat hate crime, as are determinations about what groups are at highest risk, and where best to direct efforts to prevent and respond to such offenses. To facilitate such deliberations, the report provides an overview of current time-series data measuring hate crime, and their utility for assessing the presence and significance of trends. It describes the process of gathering the databases and other information discussed in this report, how they were analyzed, and the conclusions reached about the ability of extant data to measure trends in hate crimes against immigrants and those of Hispanic heritage residing in the U.S.
Abstract
| PDF

Homicide in the U.S. Known to Law Enforcement, 2011
(December 2013)
BJS, Report, 18 pages, NCJ 243035.
This report presents data on homicide trends from 1992 to 2011. The report describes homicide patterns and trends by age, sex, and race of the victim. It explores weapon use, with a focus on trends in firearm use and homicide trends by city size.
PDF | TEXT

Intimate Partner Violence: Attributes of Victimization, 1993-2011
(November 2013)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 19 pages, NCJ 243300.
This report presents data on trends in nonfatal intimate partner violence among U.S. households from 1993 to 2011. Intimate partner violence includes rape, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault by a current or former spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend. This report focuses on attributes of the victimization such as the type of crime, type of attack, whether the victim was threatened before the attack, use of a weapon by the offender, victim injury, and medical treatment received for injuries. The report also describes ways these attributes of the victimization may be used to measure seriousness or severity of the incident.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

National Survey of Residential Programs for Victims of Sex Trafficking
(October 2013)
BJA-Sponsored, Report, 37 pages, NCJ 244678.
Residential programs around the country were surveyed in order to learn how many residential programs for victims of sex trafficking were in operation. Thirty-three residential programs in the United States were found that offer services to trafficking. This report found a total of 682 beds for trafficking victims in the U.S.
Abstract
| PDF

Measuring the Prevalence of Crime With the National Crime Victimization Survey
(September 2013)
BJS, Report, BJS Technical Reports, 27 pages, NCJ 241656.
This report presents comparisons of victimization rates and prevalence rates of nonfatal violent crime and household property crime from 1993 to 2010. The report uses prevalence rates to describe patterns of repeat victimization for violent and property crime and to identify specific population subgroups at the highest risk for repeat victimization. It compares violent victimization and prevalence rates across victim age and sex and according to victim-offender relationships.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Technical Reports Series

Indicators of Labor Trafficking Among North Carolina Migrant Farmworkers, Final Report
(August 2013)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 147 pages, NCJ 244204.
The study sought to achieve two goals: (1) document the characteristics and indicators of labor trafficking, including component crimes,
collateral crimes, and other community impacts; and (2) provide law enforcement with actionable knowledge to help identify labor trafficking.
Abstract
| PDF

Thirty Percent of Migrant Laborers in San Diego Experience Trafficking Violations
(July 2013)
NIJ, Bulletin, 4 pages, NCJ 242955.
According to data from a 2012 study, this NIJ In Short discusses how more than 30 percent of Spanish-speaking workers in San Diego County, Calif., have experienced an incident that meets the official definition of human trafficking. Agriculture had the lowest rate of victimization among all businesses. Construction, janitorial/cleaning and landscaping sectors had the highest rates of reported trafficking violations and labor abuses.
Abstract
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OVC Builds Capacity To Serve Crime Victims in Indian Country
(July 2013)
OVC, Fact Sheet, OVC Fact Sheets, FS 000393.
This fact sheet describes OVC's efforts to support American Indian/Alaska Native victims of crime by forging innovative partnerships to develop and expand exemplary tribal programs and services; and maintaining established programs that focus on culturally specific training, technical assistance, and case management, among other services.
HTMLPart Of the OVC Fact Sheets Series

Evaluating Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Programs
(July 2013)
NIJ, Article, NIJ Journal, 4 pages, NCJ 241930.
This article discusses the efforts of Michigan State University researchers to develop a toolkit that SANE programs can use to evaluate how they affect the prosecution of sexual assault cases in their communities and explains how to implement the user-friendly toolkit. It also offers ideas for using the findings to improve practice and enhance a program's positive impact on the reporting, investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases.
Abstract
| PDF | HTMLPart Of the NIJ Journal Series

OVC Report to the Nation 2013, Fiscal Years 2011-2012: Transforming Today's Vision into Tomorrow's Reality
(June 2013)
OVC, Report, 0 pages, NCJ 242598.
OVC's Report to the Nation summarizes the progress made in upholding crime victims' rights and providing high-quality services to victims, survivors, and communities during fiscal years 2011−2012. The online report highlights innovative programs and victim-centered initiatives, summarizes financial support to states and U.S. territories, and provides insight into OVC's strategic efforts to address both emerging and enduring challenges in order to expand and enhance victim assistance throughout the Nation.
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Break the Silence: Sexual Assault and the SART Solution
(June 2013)
OVC-Sponsored, 0 pages, NCJ 243297.
This online video is designed to help in the creation a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and can be used to educate other potential members, management, and the community on how SARTs can provide improved response to victims of sexual assault and increased offender conviction rates. Recognizing the severity, complexity and impact of sexual assault in Indian Country and rural areas, the video can be used by Native American and rural SARTs to make their respective communities aware of an existing SART program and its value.
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Understanding Elder Abuse: New Directions for Developing Theories of Elder Abuse Occurring in Domestic Settings
(June 2013)
NIJ, Report, NIJ Research in Brief, 40 pages, NCJ 241731.
This report discusses findings from two NIJ studies of elder abuse in domestic settings. Compared to other areas of family violence, elder abuse has lagged in theory development and relied more on adapting existing theories from other fields. The authors describe the findings from the two studies in this context, emphasizing the importance of developing new theories of elder abuse and of looking critically at current theories to increase our understanding and guide future research.
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| PDFPart Of the NIJ Research in Brief Series

Household Burglary, 1994-2011
(June 2013)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 18 pages, NCJ 241754.
This report presents rates and trends in household burglary from 1993 to 2011. The report explores overall trends in household burglary and examines patterns in completed household burglary by type and value of items stolen, percentage of burglaries reported to the police and insurance companies, and police response.
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| PDF | HTMLPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Indicators of School Crime and Safety, 2012
(June 2013)
BJS, Report, 211 pages, NCJ 241446.
This annual report provides the most current detailed statistical information on the nature of crime in schools. It presents data on crime and safety at school from the perspectives of students, teachers, and principals.
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Firearm Violence, 1993-2011
(May 2013)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 28 pages, NCJ 241730.
This report presents trends on the number and rate of fatal and nonfatal firearm violence from 1993 to 2011. The report examines incident and victim demographic characteristics of firearm violence, including the type of firearm used; victim's race, age, and sex; and incident location. The report also examines changes over time in the percentages of nonfatal firearm crimes by injury, reporting to the police, and the use of firearms in self-defense.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Vision 21: Transforming Victim Services Final Report
(May 2013)
OVC, Report, 63 pages, NCJ 239957.
The Vision 21: Transforming Victim Services initiative was launched by OVC in fall 2010 to expand the vision and impact of the crime victim assistance field. This Final Report provides a set of findings and broad recommendations, informed by stakeholder forums and literature reviews, that form a framework for strategic, transformative change. The Final Report outlines ways the field can overcome the obstacles it faces and change how it meets victims' needs and addresses those who perpetrate crime.
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| PDF (Full Report) | PDF (Summary & Recommendations) | PDF (At a Glance Fact Sheet)

Workplace Violence Against Government Employees, 1994-2011
(April 2013)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 19 pages, NCJ 241349.
This report presents information on both nonfatal and fatal forms of violence in the workplace against government employees, based on the Bureau of Justice Statistics' National Crime Victimization Survey and the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Female Victims of Sexual Violence, 1994-2010
(March 2013)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 17 pages, NCJ 240655.
This report presents trends in the rate of completed or attempted rape or sexual assault against females from 1995 to 2010. The report examines demographic characteristics of female victims of sexual violence and characteristics of the offender and incident, including victim-offender relationship, whether the offender had a weapon, and the location of the victimization.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series

Untested Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
(February 2013)
NIJ-Sponsored, 6 pages, NCJ 241356.
In this article from the Sexual Assault Report™, NIJ staff member Nancy Ritter explores: whether every sexual assault kit (SAK) should be tested every kit - even ones that are 25 years old; should priority be given to certain kits, and if so, how do we decide; and how to handle cases in which the alleged perpetrator is already known. The article also explains where the weak spots are in collecting, storing, and testing kits; why the police might not send sexual assault kits to be tested; and what early evidence is showing about complex issues such as victim notification.
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Practical Implications of Current Intimate Partner Violence Research for Victim Advocates and Service Providers
(January 2013)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 260 pages, NCJ 244348.
This report expands and enhances the 2009 report titled "Practical Implications of Current Domestic Violence Research: For Law Enforcement, Prosecutors and Judges" to address the practical implications of current domestic violence research for victim advocates and service providers.
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Directory of Training and Technical Assistance Resources for Anti-Human Trafficking Task Forces and Service Providers
(December 2012)
BJA, OVC, 26 pages, NCJ 240597.
OVC and BJA have launched a Directory of Training and Technical Assistance Resources for Anti-Human Trafficking Task Forces and Service Providers. The directory includes "distance learning," "in-person training" and "training by request" opportunities. It is an excellent resource for practitioners and task forces actively working in the field to expand and enhance their knowledge.
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Directory of Training and Technical Assistance Resources for Anti-Human Trafficking Task Forces and Service Providers
(December 2012)
BJA, OVC, 26 pages, NCJ 240597.
OVC and BJA have launched a Directory of Training and Technical Assistance Resources for Anti-Human Trafficking Task Forces and Service Providers. The directory includes "distance learning," "in-person training" and "training by request" opportunities. It is an excellent resource for practitioners and task forces actively working in the field to expand and enhance their knowledge.
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| PDF | HTML

Violent Victimization Committed by Strangers, 1993-2010
(December 2012)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 19 pages, NCJ 239424.
This report presents findings on the rates and levels of violent victimization committed by offenders who were strangers to the victims, including homicide, rape, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault.
Abstract
| PDF | TEXTPart Of the BJS Special Reports Series